"the world"

 यह वक़्त हमें हर गम के साथ जीना  सीखा देता है  धीरे धीरे यह हमें हर दर्द के साथ  जीना सीखा देता है  वक़्त ज़िन्दगी से मुश्किलों को  नहीं हटाता है  बस हमें तज़ुर्बा दे कर हर मुश्किलों का सामना करना सीखा देता है 

 Once upon a time in a small town, there lived a woman named Grace. Known for her kind heart and bright smile, she was the neighbor everyone leaned on. But as Thanksgiving approached, Grace faced challenges that felt insurmountable. Last spring, she had lost her job due to company downsizing. It came as a shock, especially since she had dedicated over a decade to her work. With her savings dwindling and bills piling up, worry began to shadow the warmth of her home. Shortly after, her mother fell ill, requiring care and attention. Balancing job hunting and caregiving left Grace exhausted and overwhelmed. As Thanksgiving drew near, her heart was heavy. The holiday was often a time of joy and gratitude, but this year, it felt more like a reminder of what she had lost. Still, a flicker of determination glimmered within her. She had a choice to make—she could sink into despair or find a way to be thankful amidst the storm. One evening, as she was sitting by the window, watching the leav...

 Today, being the second Thursday of Margashira Masa. We Odia's worship Maa Lakshmi. And alpana is decorated in homes to welcome Maa Lakshmi. Here I post some pics of the Alpana I did.

 I heard a powerful 1 min talk from a spiritual guru that I admire. He was talking about real meaning of Detachment.  He said, " Going away is not detachment. Staying with them and not being affected by them is detachment. Not talking to them is not detachment but talking to them yet not being affected is real detachment. Detachment is not when someone goes away but being okay with their presence. " Wow it's much more hard than it appears in these sentences is not it.. And a story of Mandodari and Ravana came to mind. Mandodari kept telling Ravana that do not fight with Ram or keep Sita in your captive. Ram is an incarnation of lord Vishnu yet Ravana did not listen to her. She kept praying, doing yajnas still Ravana did not change his mind. Her name is chanted during marriages reminding how devoted she was to her husband. But, her plea was not heard by her husband. Did she succeed in detachment?? I don't know..  What would a guru tell me when you want to detach yourse...

 In the shadows of my heart, a longing burns bright, A desire to meet you, my guiding light. So fierce is this wish, it travels through time, If not in this life, then in death’s quiet rhyme. Life, with its lessons, teaches me to let go, Yet each passing day, my attachment does grow. I stumble and falter, despite what I learn, As I yearn for your presence, this ache will not turn. Oh, why does this urge grip me so tight? At this stage of my life, it fills me with plight. Thoughts swirl like whispers, relentless and bold, My mind, a wild tempest, in longing unfolds. So here in the quiet, I seek to find peace, To soften the edges of love that won’t cease. Yet still, through the chaos, my heart bids me stay, In the dance of desire, forever, I sway.

 These are my long long back works, some are as old as 12 to 13 yrs and some even before that. 

 Yesterday, heard a guru speak about Garuda Purana. I first heard about it in my days at first organization. My team mate who was a devoted Bhramin was reading Garuda Purana when free. Out of curiosity I asked him what was he reading. He answered me that there is a death in his family and they read Garuda Purana during the 13 days of observation.  I must not stop myself from admitting that Bhramin's in South are much more devoted to their practice and they follow the rituals with so much dedication. One of my other team mate would apply chandan paste over his head and both hands to office. Will a Bhramin guy from my place do that? Might be but never saw anyone so dedicated. Infact I see Bhramin's in my place being the first one to overthrow the rituals and traditional practices. Well I won't judge them for their beliefs but my rational mind definitely questions why they have to set rules for all when they are the ones not to follow?  After so many years yesterday again he...

 Showcasing turmeric leafs ( I got a turmeric plant from a local store in Hyderabad), enduri pitha served with Ghuguni ( yellow pea curry) and kheer. 

  Prathamastami is a special festival celebrated in Odisha for firstborn children. On this day, the firstborn wears new clothes, and a traditional dish called Enduri Pitha is prepared. Enduri Pitha is a type of stuffed rice cake wrapped in turmeric leaves, giving it a unique aroma. The child’s maternal uncle is responsible for gifting new clothes to his niece or nephew. Timing and Significance Prathamastami is observed on the Krushna Paksha Astami during the lunar month of Margasira (November–December). It is one of the most popular festivals in Odisha. The name "Prathamastami" comes from the Odia calendar, where Margasira is considered the first month. Although it is the first Astami of the year, it is celebrated as such, leading some to refer to this month as Agrahyana. In Hindu tradition, the eldest child, known as Padhuan, is expected to take on significant responsibilities for the family. This festival is celebrated for the well-being, longevity, and prosperity of the el...

 In the quiet dusk, when shadows play, I lift my heart, to the skies I pray. Oh Almighty, grant me ease and cheer, Wrap my spirit in kindness, hold it near. Bestow me strength, like roots of a tree, Ground my resolve, let me always see. With wisdom like stars, shining bright above, Guide my footsteps toward the path of love. Let compassion flow, like a gentle stream, Help me uplift those who drift in their dream. To spread warmth and joy in a world so cold, Make my heart a sanctuary, brave and bold. Let my hands be vessels of this sweet grace, To reach out in kindness, a warm embrace. To understand the struggles of those in need, And plant seeds of hope, with every good deed. Oh, Divine Light, illuminate my way, Through trials and storms, let me find my sway. For in giving and sharing, our spirits entwine, In the art of compassion, our hearts shall shine. So I pray for strength and a heart open wide, To welcome the beauty that love can provide. In harmony's grace, let our lives int...

Rai felt an overwhelming joy as she cradled her newborn son, the child her husband had always wished for. “Finally, I’m a mother!” she whispered, her heart swelling with happiness. “This is what I’ve always wanted. Maybe now life will feel normal, like it does for other women my age.” But just as she began to dream of a peaceful life, the clouds rolled in. Her mother-in-law couldn’t bear to see Rai’s happiness. Within a week of her son’s arrival, a silly argument erupted between her in-laws and her parents. “Why can’t they just be happy for us?” Rai thought, frustration bubbling inside her. “Why do they have to make this about them?” Choosing to side with her parents only deepened the rift. Rai felt the weight of disappointment pressing down on her. “Why can’t they just celebrate this new life with me?” she lamented. Instead, she felt the sting of their judgment, and it chipped away at her mental peace. The joy of motherhood began to fade, replaced by the shadows of postpartum depressi...

 After a year away, Rai returns to her hometown for a family event. As soon as she arrives, her relatives start asking her about starting a family. Each question cuts deep, stirring up her pain. What would she say? Would she ever become a mother? She doesn’t know. It’s hard for her to hide her feelings, but she has learned to keep her emotions in check, and she puts on a brave face. Meanwhile, her in-laws begin to show their true colors, blaming her for everything she received as gifts. She had given her jewelry to her mother-in-law because she was traveling to a city where she had no safe place to keep it. Slowly, Rai discovers that her husband and his family have lied about his job, his health, and their finances. Despite this, she continues to believe in him. She thinks about her past and wonders if she would have left her lover during tough times. Her inner voice says, “No,” so she chooses to keep going, supporting her husband just as she once did for her lover when he struggle...

 Rai's marriage was suddenly arranged, and she felt unprepared. Her heart still ached for her lover, who had chosen his family over her. Now, she was doing the same, prioritizing her family’s happiness and reluctantly agreeing to the marriage. In just two weeks, the wedding would take place. Rai felt the need to call her lover to share her feelings, even though she knew it wasn't necessary. During the call, she found herself asking if he would ever want to be with her again. He firmly said "No." With a heavy heart, she told him about her marriage, forcing a smile to hide her tears. Rai didn’t know the man she was marrying, nor did she want to. Everyone, including her lover, insisted that everything happens for a reason, as if they knew she would have a wonderful life ahead. But deep down, she didn’t feel that way. Did she have a choice? No. So, she steeled herself for the marriage. “What is there for me in this marriage? How will I navigate this journey?” she wondered...

 A few years back during Pandemic I learnt this dot mandala technique, didn't purchase any special tool to do any of them. I just used an ear bud, match stick and a normal stick to create all of my bottle art that I have put before including this one. If you are a newbie then try these things first before you end up buying those fancy dot mandala tools. Sometimes our common sense is better than just wasting money without trying and knowing if we want to pursue that art form.  Bottle art is a great option to reuse and recycle old bottles. Great option for those who have alcohol drinkers at home. 😂 As you can notice I don't have any alcohol bottles, needless to now say why it's so. 😂 I wish I could..

Jhuma discovered after her marriage that her husband’s family had lied to her. They had told her that he worked as an officer in a nationalized bank and owned a bus for public transport. But slowly, the truth came out: he was just a clerk, and the bus belonged to a relative of his. This revelation cut deep into Jhuma’s heart. She felt betrayed and wondered why anyone would start a lifelong relationship based on lies. As if that weren’t enough, her mother-in-law and other relatives constantly pressured her for dowry and criticized her for every gift she received at the wedding. The weight of their expectations crushed her spirit. A year later, Jhuma became pregnant, but the pressure from her in-laws only grew stronger. They whispered to her husband, and he believed their words without question. Instead of standing by her, he would come home and take out his frustration on her, sometimes hitting her with his belt. During a time when she needed love and support, she found herself in pain ...

 I am not afraid,   Longing for a quiet peace,   Death, my friend at last.   Happiness was sought,   But like leaves, it blew away,   With each rising dawn.   Failed in my pursuit,   Hope fades with the night approaching,   Silence wraps my heart.   Love and respect missed,   What good is a long journey   If it's laced with pain?   I want warmth, not walls,   Friendship, laughter, gentle touch,   Not wealth’s empty gift.   Good things line my path,   Yet an emptiness remains,   Still, I breathe and wait.   Life's not length that counts,   But moments filled with true joy,   I embrace the end.  

 Sailaja stood at the threshold of her village, a proud postgraduate—a rare achievement in her small community. Her heart swelled with hope as she accepted a job at a nearby school, but this joy was quickly overshadowed when she fell in love with Kedar, a kind-hearted man with strong values. Dreaming of a future with him brought a light to her life, but her family extinguished it with their traditional views. They disapproved of Kedar because he wasn't financially stable, and in their eyes, that meant he was unworthy. They arranged her marriage to Mahesh, a man from a large joint family who seemed reliable but was still a stranger to her. With a mixture of anxiety and hope, Sailaja married Mahesh. He worked in a distant city and promised to make their life together beautiful. As her heart fluttered with dreams of happiness, she soon found herself pregnant, feeling the tender life growing inside her. But the joy was short-lived. When Mahesh went out one day for shopping and didn’t c...

 Love dances in the shadows, a flicker of light, but the brighter I hold on, the more it fades— like whispers lost in the wind. Once, it bloomed, bright as morning dew, only to vanish with a touch, like a bubble popped, fragile and fleeting. I chase its shape, soft against the wall, but find only echoes, and a longing that sighs, as deep as the night.

 Aparajita had always dreamed of a loving and harmonious marriage, one filled with trust and respect. But everything changed the day she uncovered her husband’s heartbreaking secret. He had been married before, to a woman named Pooja, and they had a young son together. Aparna’s in-laws, worried about their family’s reputation in the community, had pressured her husband into marrying her, despite his existing commitment. Feeling utterly betrayed, Aparajita found the strength to leave her in-law's home, taking her son with her to stay with her parents. It was a hard transition, but she slowly began to find comfort in becoming financially independent. She worked hard to support herself and her child, discovering a sense of empowerment she hadn’t known before. As time passed, Aparajita even managed to rebuild her relationship with her in-laws. She understood that they, too, were caught in a web of societal expectations and deception. However, the emotional wounds from her experience ra...

 Karthik Purnima dawned with a beautiful golden sunrise over Hyderabad, setting the perfect tone for the day. The air was crisp and fresh, and I could feel the excitement building as it was time for our annual celebration, a day that held both tradition and fun. In our native, the festival was synonymous with sailing boats in river Kathajodi. My family and I had spent the previous evening crafting colorful little boats out of paper and thermocol and decorating them with flowers and lamp. As I held my creation in my hands, I felt a rush of joy; each boat was a heartfelt offering to the waters, symbolizing our hopes and prayers. Arriving at the lake, I was greeted by the sight of birds chirping over the lake. Sun was rising and its rays were glittering over the water surface. Finally, it was time to sail our boats. We gathered by the water's edge, laughter and anticipation in the air. With a gentle push, I sent my boat gliding across the surface of the lake. The sight of colorful boa...

 Bali Jatra is a vibrant and captivating festival celebrated in Cuttack, Odisha, marking the age-old maritime trade of the region. The fair, which takes place on the banks of the Mahanadi River, is a colorful spectacle filled with lights, music, and the aroma of delicious street food. I had the pleasure of visiting this enchanting fair for the last two years, and each time was a unique experience that left a lasting impression on me. The first time I attended Bali Jatra, I was immediately swept up in the festive atmosphere. I was in 9th std then. As I walked through the entrance, the sounds of laughter and traditional music filled the air. Stalls lined the pathways, showcasing a variety of handmade crafts, vibrant textiles, and intricate jewelry. I was particularly drawn to a stall selling beautiful silver filigree work, a traditional art form of Cuttack. The artisans were friendly, eager to share their craft, and I couldn’t resist purchasing a delicate bracelet as a keepsake. The ...

 I see and feel pain so easily from my childhood about my friends, family and relatives. Why is it so I don't know?? Sometimes, I feel like writing stories about women's life that suffered because of Patriarchy. In our generation men also suffer but being a woman I still connect more to the pain of women. I would like to write but still unsure if that is a great thing to do.  How our pressure plays it's crucial role in hampering a woman and adds to her agony? Whether I will do that or not still remains a question but I will accept I feel like doing it.  Let's see. Where my intuition guides me?? 

 In the dark of night, she walks alone, Her heart adrift, dreams turned to stone. Once, love whispered sweet and low, Now silence wraps her in a heavy glow. Her laughter fades, just a whispered sound, Once it filled these walls, now barely found. Married to a man who’s not really there, His touch a distant echo, filled with despair. He blames her for the emptiness inside, As if her heart could fix his pride. In every look, she feels the weight, Wearing his shame, a heavy fate. Family pushed her down this path, A life planned out, with little love to last. She never wanted this, nor chose this way, Trapped in a life that keeps her gray. Her lover’s memory haunts her dreams, A gentle shadow of what love means. She dances close but wakes alone, To find a space that feels like stone. Her heart feels like a puzzle, missing pieces, A restless feeling that never ceases. Each day is just a repeat of the same, Where love's not there, but the pain’s a flame. She hides her tears behind a brav...

 What should I share today.  Feeling thoughtless and somehow happy at the face of adversities.  Today is children's day, and I am trying to embrace the child within me.  Here I share with you a rangoli for Panchuka Day 3. Very simple and without much colour, depicting my mood for simple things in life.  

 The Dhabaleswar Temple, situated on an island in the Mahanadi River near Cuttack, Odisha, is one of the most revered shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in the region. As a center of faith and spirituality, it attracts devotees from far and wide. Among the numerous rituals and festivals celebrated at this temple, "Bada Osa" stands out as a significant event that draws immense participation and devotion. The Essence of Bada Osa "Bada Osa," which translates to "Great Fasting" in Odia, is observed in the month of Kartika, typically falling between October and November. This festival is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva and is highly regarded by the devotees who participate in it as a means of demonstrating their faith, penance, and devotion. During Bada Osa, thousands of devotees engage in a day-long fast, offering prayers, performing rituals, and participating in cultural festivities. The day is marked by an atmosphere of spiritual fervor and communal harmony, ...

 Hari Uthani Ekadashi, also known as Deothan Ekadashi or Prabodhini Ekadashi, is a significant occasion in the Hindu calendar that is particularly revered in the state of Odisha. This auspicious day marks the end of the Chaturmas period (four sacred months) and the awakening of Lord Vishnu from his cosmic sleep. In the context of the Sri Mandira Jagannath Temple in Puri, this day is especially cherished, attracting thousands of devotees and pilgrims to partake in the rituals and festivities. The Mythological Background The significance of Hari Uthani Ekadashi is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology. According to the ancient scriptures, during the Chaturmas, Lord Vishnu resides in a state of slumber, compelling his followers to engage in prayers, fasting, and meditation. The Ekadashi, which falls in the month of Kartika (usually November), is celebrated on the eleventh day of the waxing moon. It is believed that on this day, the Lord awakens, bringing new hope and spiritual rejuvenation...

  Panchuka, a significant cultural and religious event in the state of Odisha, marks the end of the month of Kartika in the Hindu calendar, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This festival is particularly celebrated by the Odia community, and it holds immense spiritual and cultural value. The observance of Panchuka encompasses various rituals, traditions, and a deep sense of devotion among followers. Significance of Panchuka Panchuka is celebrated during the last five days of the auspicious month of Kartika, which usually falls in October-November. This period is considered highly sacred for Hindus, and devotees engage in various spiritual practices to seek blessings from Lord Vishnu and other deities. The term 'Panchuka' itself denotes the last five days of Kartika, leading up to the celebration of other festivals, such as the famous "Bali Jatra," . During these days, many devotees conduct special pujas (prayers), observe fasting, and engage in rituals that involve t...